Effective Troop Meeting Plan

Effective Troop Meeting Plan | 2652 | 01-27-2020 |

This is a recommended weekly Troop Meeting Plan. This proven formula contains best practices from some of the

most successful Trail Life Troops. The order and steps outlined on the Agenda are simply recommended, not required.

Planning for the next week’s meeting (3-4 days beforehand):

• Physical arrangements of meeting location

• Reminder sent to all members (outline any expectations—what to bring, how to dress, etc)

• First Officer mentoring (Troopmaster coaches him to lead the meeting well—go through each step)

Meeting night:

• Set up (Adult and Youth Leaders arrive 20-30 minutes early)

• Gathering (15 minutes)…have a pre-meeting activity planned for boys/families who arrive early

TROOP MEETING AGENDA (total time is approx. 75 minutes)

1. Opening ceremony (start on-time, every time—7 minutes)

• Presentation of the colors/pledge, led by a different patrol each time (with AHG sister Troop)

• Recite the Trailman Oath

• Prayer (select a different Trailman each time)

2. Announcements (4 minutes)

• Made by First Officer (only RARELY by the Troopmaster)

• Describe what we are doing tonight (and why); highlight next 2-3 big activities coming up

3. Chaplain mentoring moment (2 minutes)

• Inspirational and faith-building; sets the tone for the rest of the meeting

4. Patrol breakouts (40 minutes)

• Outdoors (weather permitting)

• Hands-on and action-oriented—focused on your purpose

• Advancement work for Woodlands Trailmen

• Skills training for Navigators and Adventurers (youth led)

5. Regather in main room for Troop-wide game (15 minutes)

• Fun, physical release; make sure younger boys have a chance to succeed

6. Wisdom for the Wild (keep it to ONE minute); AHG Leader minute (same for her)

• Recognize special achievers

7. Closing ceremony—3 minutes

WHAT ELSE?

• Always emphasize an informed, empowered youth-leader culture